Jaguar S-Type R

The Jaguar S-Type was initially introduced way back in 1963 though the nameplate was revived in the late ‘90s. After being launched at the Birmingham Motor Show in ’98, the model re-entered the market in early ’99. The mid-size executive/luxury car was manufactured at the company’s Birmingham, England-based Castle Bromwich facility. The Jaguar S-Type R was introduced as the supercharged version of the revived S-Type model in 2002 and its powertrain was tuned to take on the likes of the Mercedes E55 AMG and the BMW M5. The four-door sedan received a number of upgrades both inside and out and was eventually discontinued in early 2008. The model line was replaced by the Jaguar XF range.

Interior

The interior of the S-Type was widely criticized as being of a lower grade than what consumers expected of a Jaguar. The interior received a major overhaul in 2003 though it remained very retro-inspired. However, before the Jaguar STR rode into the sunset, its cabin came laced with generous and luxuriant wood and leather trim and Bluetooth connectivity. The 2008 model offered buyers’ luxuries like a radio data system and a navigation system fronted by a DVD based display. The car’s stereo boasted of a multi CD changer, a single in-dash Alpine CD player with AM/FM. The 320 watts stereo was paired with 2 subwoofers and 10 Alpine speakers. The vehicle also featured a flip-open key for the ignition a revised centre console and a revised dash. The cabin of the STR also offers buyers comforts like illuminating dual vanity mirrors and inside rearview mirror with an Electrochromatic finish. The entire cabin is laced with leather trimmings including the shift knob, doors sills, dash, steering wheel and center console. Both the driver and passenger sides have access to dual zone climate controls that comes with interior air filtration. The model was distinguished by its two-tone seats and offered adaptive cruise control on the add on Luxury Package.

Exterior

The Jaguar S-Type R followed the style of the initial model conceived by Geoff Lawson. The range topping model was based on the Lincoln LS and shared its platform with the Ford DEW/Jaguar DEW. The model is distinguished by its angled surface, sharp edges and other distinct styling features. The influence of the 1960s Jaguar saloons shows itself quite obviously on the vehicle’s exterior. The iconic hood ornament depicting a leaping jaguar was of course offered as an option on the model. The Jaguar logo was incorporated within the radiator grille for models that came after 2002. Other stylistic distinction for the STR were the front fenders and boot lid stamped with R badging, a rear subframe with a brace located near it and a distinct rear spoiler. The exterior also boasted of built-in fog-lamps within the front apron, side-skirts and a rear apron. Monochromatic paint schemes were also offered as standard on the model along with a jaguar-spec wire-mesh grille and 18-inch alloy wheels.